2021 Oscar Predictions
The 2021 Academy Award nominations have been announced so now’s the time to watch the movies we didn’t get to see prior to the Golden Globes.
For more years than I can remember I’ve committed to watching every single Best Picture nominated film. Some have been harder than others (2012’s Les Mis, and that’s coming from someone who loves musicals), but I’ve always done it. It’s opened my eyes to so many movies I wouldn’t have seen, so to me, it’s maybe the 21st-century version of reading the classics while they are being written.
It is, however, the first year I’ve seen every single one of those movies at home. I guess the advantage is it’s a level playing field. I’m still getting through all the movies, but with no further ado (and with no professional training), here are my 2021 Oscar predictions.
Actor in a Leading Role
Nominations
- Riz Ahmed | Sound of Metal
- Chadwick Boseman | Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
- Anthony Hopkins | The Father
- Gary Oldman | Mank
- Steven Yeun | Minari
Prediction: Chadwick Boseman | Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Before even seeing it, I called that Chadwick Boseman would win a posthumous Golden Globe Award for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. And I was right. After seeing it, my thoughts were solidified. Chadwick gives a complex and emotional performance as one of Ma Rainey’s musicians, his last film before his passing. Even more than that though is how his performance as the Black Panther inspired and changed how people viewed superheros. Wakanda forever!
Actor in a Supporting Role
Nominations
- Sacha Baron Cohen | The Trial of the Chicago 7
- Daniel Kaluuya | Judas and the Black Messiah
- Leslie Odom, Jr. | One Night in Miami
- Paul Raci | Sound of Metal
- Lakeith Stanfield | Judas and the Black Messiah
Prediction: Sacha Baron Cohen | The Trial of the Chicago 7
I’m still getting through some of these dramas, but after seeing Sacha Baron Cohen in both Borat and The Trial of the Chicago 7, it’s clear he can act. Whereas Borat is a parody of American culture and society in 2020, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a true story on the fight for justice and equality. These are completely opposite films, with completely opposite characters, but both of them draw you in.
He’s not one of those actors who you know you are watching, no matter what you are watching. As much as I love me some Denzel, Denzel is great at playing Denzel. With Sasha Baron Cohen, you forget who you are watching. And for that, I’m giving him my pick for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Actress in a Leading Role
Nominations
- Viola Davis | Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
- Andra Day | The United States vs. Billie Holiday
- Vanessa Kirby | Pieces of a Woman
- Frances McDormand | Nomadland
- Carey Mulligan | Promising Young Woman
Prediction: Carey Mulligan | Promising Young Woman
I think Promising Young Woman got robbed at the Golden Globes. Sure they were nominated quite a bit, but with no wins it’s clear the 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association weren’t giving it any love. I’m hoping the over 8,000 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences give Carey Mulligan her due for her performance in Promising Young Woman, a surprising revenge story on an all too typical assult. It’s fresh, it’s sinister, and it’s heartbreaking.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Nominations
- Maria Bakalova | Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
- Glenn Close | Hillbilly Elegy
- Olivia Colman | The Father
- Amanda Seyfried | Mank
- Yuh-Jung Youn | Minari
Prediction: Maria Bakalova | Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
I called Maria Bakalova as Best Supporting Actress in a film for the Golden Globes but Jodie Foster won for The Mauritanian. Since Jodie didn’t get nominated, I’m sticking with Maria for my 2021 Oscar prediction. Yes, Borat is essentially a parody of life in America, but there is no denying that what Maria can do, believably and with a straight face, is award-worthy.
Animated Feature Film
Nominations
Prediction: Soul
There aren’t many movies that make you stop and think about really deep topics, like the meaning of life. And even fewer animated films that can do it. But Soul did (maybe it had something to do with reading Journey of Souls simultaneously. Taking on such a heavy topic in a relatable way is what Disney is kind of known for (The Lion King, ahem) but then to also feature Pixar’s first Black lead made history. Is it perfect considering the white-savior of it all? No. But it sure is progress.
Best Picture
Nominations
- The Father
- Judas and the Black Messiah
- Mank
- Minari
- Nomadland
- Promising Young Woman
- Sound of Metal
- The Trial of the Chicago 7
Prediction: Nomadland
Yep, I’m flip-flopping on my pick. Do I still think Promising Young Woman deserves to win Best Picture as I stated in the Golden Globe predictions? Yes, I do. But I think it might be a little too raw, a little too real, a little too radical for the Academy.
Nomadland, the story of a woman who loses everything when the main employer in her town shuts down and becomes a nomad, is unique in that it shows a different side of the United States. The stories told within are also a little too real, but that’s because they are. Nomadland features real American nomads and honors them and their stories. It’s a glimpse into something not many of us see, fusing art and life.
If you don’t have Hulu yet they do offer a free trial so you can watch Nomadland before the awards ceremony. Check out the free trial here!
Looking for more to binge? Check out:
- Best Netflix Originals Comedy Series
- Binge-Worthy Netflix Originals Drama Series
- Best Netflix Originals Movies
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